A root canal can give a tooth many more years of service - often a lifetime. A little care afterwards helps the tooth last.
Once treatment is complete, a permanent filling or crown is needed to seal and protect the tooth. The definitive restoration is usually arranged with your own dentist, and is worth doing promptly.
Root-treated teeth, especially back teeth, can become more brittle. A crown or cusp-covering restoration protects against fracture and helps the tooth last.
Brush and floss as normal. A root-treated tooth has no nerve, but decay can still develop around the edges, so the tooth needs the same daily care as your other teeth.
Your dentist will keep an eye on the tooth, sometimes with an occasional X-ray to confirm the tooth is healing well. Regular visits are the best way to catch anything early.
Some tenderness in the first few days is normal, but pain that lingers or returns, swelling, or the tooth feeling loose are worth getting checked.
With a good seal and a proper restoration, a root-treated tooth can serve you well for many years. Look after the tooth like any other and keep up your regular visits.
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